NEWSWEEK.COM 47
Carnevale
Venice
Dating back hundreds of years, Venetians would
have disguise themselves during the Carnevale di
Venezia, an annual festival that draws thousands
of tourists. During the French conquest and
Austrian occupation, the wearing of masks was
forbidden, though the tradition resurfaced in 1979.Balinese Masks
Bali
With roots in animism—the
belief that plants, inanimate
objects and other natural
phenomena have souls—
these masks are seen as
a way for spirits to visit
the physical world. They
are reserved for use only
during sacred ceremonies,
but tourists can purchase
masks crafted speciɿcally
for decorative uses.Kandyan Dances
Sri Lanka
A variety of traditional dances ward off demons,
provide entertainment and heal the sick. Most
incorporate masks made during a lengthy process
using wood from the local Kaduru tree. Each mask
is linked to a particular piece of folklore or character.Noh Theater
Japan
The all-male
Noh Theater,
developed in
the 14th century,
is the oldest
major theater
art still regularly
performed. The
lead character, or
shite will wear a
mask made of
Japanese cypress
that tells the
audience what
kind of character(^06) to expect.
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AS
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MO
CA
LM
ON
TE
ʔG
ET
TY
;^0
7 :
JO
HN
S^
LA
ND
ER
ʔL
IG
HT
RO
CK
ET
ʔG
ET
TY
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8 :^
ER
IC
LA
FF
OR
GU
Eʔ
AR
T^ I
N^
AL
L^ O
F^ U
Sʔ
CO
RB
ISʔ
GE
TT
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09
:^ Y
UJ
I^ S
AK
AIʔ
GE
TT
Y
7
6
9
8
08
09
07
06
Cultural Masks
Around the World
Masks have been used around the world for centuries for all kinds
of religious and cultural celebrations. Some masks honor those
who have died, some represent animals or spirits and some simply
disguise a person’s identity. Now, as we are all tasked with wearing
masks for protection during the coronavirus pandemic, Newsweek
is taking a look at the types of masks that were used long before they
became a part of the world’s daily wardrobe. —Alexandra SchonfeldUNCHARTED